Delivery driving defensive techniques

Defensive Driving Techniques: How to Make Sure You and Others are Safe on the Road

Delivery driver van - principles of defensive drivingOperating a vehicle on the road is a great responsibility – when you are behind the wheel, you’re responsible for not only your safety but also that of everyone around you. Keep reading today’s article to learn all you need to know about defensive driving.

Fundamentals of Defensive Driving

If you’ve never heard of it, you might be wondering what the phrase “defensive driving” means. It’s not about driving with an alarmed state of mind but rather a cautious one. Follow these simple tips to guarantee your ride goes smoothly:

Check Your Vehicle

  • Exterior:
    • No visible damage.
    • Doors, boot, and bonnet are fully closed.
    • Tyres are in good condition and properly inflated.
    • Windows and mirrors are clean.
  • Interior:
    • Ensure there is no clutter.
    • Fuel level is optimal.
    • Seatbelts work properly.
    • No flashing indicators on the dashboard.

Check Yourself

Do not drive if you are drunk, have consumed drugs, or are sleepy. Take as many breaks as needed to stop the vehicle and rest until you are fully alert and capable of driving properly.

Driving impaired significantly reduces your coordination, reaction times, and ability to navigate safely.

Avoid Distractions

  • Don’t multitask – if you have to do something that requires you to take your eyes off the road, stop in a safe spot to address it and only start driving again once you’re finished.
  • Put your phone away – phones are one of the main distractions for drivers. You may think you have everything under control while using it, but it only takes one second with your eyes off the road for an accident to happen. If you must use your phone for work, use a hands-free device.
  • Avoid eating or drinking – during a long day of delivery driving, it’s important to stay hydrated and nourished, but try to eat and drink only when you stop so that your hands can be free to manoeuvre the vehicle properly.
  • Keep your emotions in check – don’t let your emotions take the wheel. If a situation occurs in which you feel yourself getting angry or emotional, take a deep breath and try to ground yourself again. Engaging in arguments with other drivers will distract you and may result in a crash or infraction.

Driving Techniques

  • Be aware of the space around your vehicle – keep a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Adjust your speed – the speed at which you drive should match the road, traffic, and weather conditions. Driving slower will give you more time to react.
  • Always signal your intentions – use your indicators every time you are going to turn or change lanes.
  • Check for blind spots – before changing lanes or overtaking other vehicles, ensure that you have enough space and can see the road clearly.
  • Use your mirrors – keep checking them to stay informed about other vehicles around you.
  • Manoeuvre smoothly – performing abrupt manoeuvres may not give other drivers enough time to react, which could result in an accident.
  • Obey traffic signs and rights of way – yield when necessary, don’t run red lights, and respect everyone’s turn.
  • Use extra caution when driving around large vehicles – avoid cutting them off, and allow them the space necessary for turns.
  • Adjust for driving in the dark – drive slower, ensure you have proper visibility, and use your headlights.
  • Be mindful of the weather – if there is rain or snow, reduce your speed, increase your following distance to have enough time to stop, and avoid sudden movements.
  • Keep calm – you need a clear head to focus on the road. If you encounter an aggressive driver, ignore rude gestures or words, avoid eye contact, take deep breaths, and, if necessary, play soothing music.

Parking

  • Perform a dynamic risk assessment every time you go to park or perform a complicated manoeuvre.
  • Use the acronym IPSGA (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration) to remember what you should pay attention to.
  • Pay attention to any traffic or parking signs nearby.
  • Exit the vehicle if you still have doubts about manoeuvring and ask for help if necessary.

By learning and practicing defensive driving, you will feel much more at ease on the road and will be able to avoid accidents, fines, and licence suspensions.

If you are currently looking for new opportunities in the delivery service industry, check out Service Club’s Academy to get certified with our fun microlearning courses.


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